Lawyers e-Journal

Bottom left:
From left to right - MBA President Edward W. McIntyre and Law Practice Management Section Co-Chair Rodney Dowell.

Bottom right:
From left to right - MBA President Edward W. McIntyre and MBA 50-year member Harvey Resh.

Photos by Tricia Oliver.

McIntyre thanks volunteer leaders for commitment, contributions

Xifaras, 50-year honorees recognized at June 24 reception

A long stretch of humid and muggy weather didn’t keep away MBA section leaders, community and public service volunteers, task force and committee members and the bar’s 50-year honorees from celebrating with nearly 200 of their colleagues and friends.

While the year-end reception held on June 24 at the John Adams Courthouse was a night to socialize and network, it was also an opportunity to specially recognize section chairs, President's Award recipient Margaret “Mardee” Xifaras and attorneys who have been members of the bar since 1958.

“You are truly the heartbeat and workhorses of the organization,” said MBA President Edward W. McIntyre. “Because of your considerable sacrifices and contributions to our vibrant organization, the Massachusetts legal community as a whole is better off, the public needing legal services are better served and access to justice is better preserved for those who need it most.”

“Mardee likes to do her work where it most counts—in the trenches,” said Squillante, who chronicled Xifaras’ admirable career in public service, accentuating Xifaras’ professional strengths as she “talked the talk and walked the walk.”

While accepting the MBA’s high honor, Xifaras described herself as “an old-fashioned organizer.” She emphasized the importance of the “values of community,” taught to her at a young age.

Xifaras added, “being a lawyer is something more than being a business person…it’s always about what the community needs."